How Ted Nugent Inspired Def Leppard’S Guitarist Phil Collen

March 20, 2025

As a young boy growing up in the bustling city of London, Phil Collen often found solace in his guitar. He would spend hours strumming away in his small bedroom, dreaming of one day becoming a famous rock star. While his friends were busy with sports or video games, Phil was captivated by the sound of electric guitars and the vibrant energy of rock music. One fateful day, everything changed when he stumbled upon a Ted Nugent album while rummaging through his older brother’s record collection. The bright cover featuring the wild man holding his guitar made Phil’s heart race with excitement. Little did he know, this discovery would ignite a fire within him that would shape his entire future.

Listening to Ted Nugent’s music for the first time was like a revelation for Phil. The electric riffs, the raw intensity, and Nugent’s larger-than-life persona inspired him profoundly. Phil admired Nugent’s fearless attitude and the way he connected with his audience. It was during one particular song, “Cat Scratch Fever,” that he felt a surge of energy unlike anything before. The way Nugent played, with wild abandon and passion, made Phil realize that music could be more than just notes—it could be a way to express one’s soul. In that moment, he made a promise to himself: he would dedicate his life to music and let his own voice be heard.

Determined to follow his dream, Phil practiced relentlessly, often losing track of time as he got lost in his music. He formed bands with friends, playing in small venues and getting a taste of the stage. However, it wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, nights filled with frustration when he felt like giving up. Yet, he always remembered that album cover—the way Nugent looked full of confidence and power. Inspired by that image, Phil pushed through every obstacle, believing that if he worked hard enough, he, too, could captivate an audience one day.

Years later, after moving to the United States and joining the iconic rock band Def Leppard, Phil found himself living the dream he once thought was only fantasy. The band soared to fame, their songs dominating the airwaves and their concerts electrifying crowds around the world. During the band’s rise, Phil never forgot the spark that Ted Nugent ignited in him. At the height of Def Leppard’s success, Phil had an unexpected opportunity to meet Nugent himself. As they sat together, Phil shared his journey, how he learned to embrace music’s power and energy through Nugent’s influence. Ted smiled, proud to see how his music had impacted another artist’s life.

Reflecting on his journey, Phil often spoke about how that early inspiration shaped him. It taught him resilience and passion, lessons he carried with him through every challenge. He understood now that life would throw hurdles in everyone’s path, but it was passion and dedication that could help leap over them. Phil Collen wasn’t just a guitarist; he was a testament to the power of inspiration—the way one person’s art can light a fire in another’s heart. In his eyes, Ted Nugent was more than a musician; he was a catalyst for a young boy’s dreams, forging a rock star who believed in the magic of music and the strength of following one’s passions.